From Hokianga to Kaikōura: Showcasing Rural Healthcare in Aotearoa

As part of the Rural WONCA 2026 Ambassador Programme, two rural health services at opposite ends of Aotearoa New Zealand will open their doors to international ambassadors—offering a powerful insight into the diversity and strength of rural healthcare across the country.

From the Far North to the South Island, Hauora Hokianga and Kaikōura Health (Te Hā o Te Ora) represent distinct yet equally compelling models of care, each shaped by their communities, geography, and values.

In the Far North, Hauora Hokianga stands as a leading example of kaupapa Māori healthcare in action. Serving a widely dispersed rural population, the organisation delivers integrated services that span primary care, public health, and hospital-level support. At its core is a deep commitment to whānau-centred care—ensuring that services are not only accessible, but culturally grounded and responsive to the needs of the community.

Care in Hokianga extends beyond clinical delivery. It is shaped by relationships, trust, and a long-term vision for wellbeing that reflects the aspirations of the people it serves. For visiting ambassadors, this offers a unique opportunity to experience a model of healthcare where community leadership and cultural identity are central to how care is designed and delivered.

As Margareth Broodkoorn, Chief Executive of Hauora Hokianga reflects,

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Dewanto into Hokianga. What we offer here is a truly community-led model of care—where relationships, trust, and understanding the needs of whānau sit at the heart of everything we do.”

“This is a chance to experience rural healthcare in a way that goes beyond the clinic—to see how services are shaped by community, culture, and connection.”

Further south, Kaikōura Health (Te Hā o Te Ora) provides a different, yet equally vital, perspective on rural healthcare delivery. Located on the east coast of the South Island, the service supports a small, close-knit community where access to care requires adaptability, collaboration, and a broad clinical scope.

In Kaikōura, clinicians work across the full spectrum of care, often managing everything from routine general practice to urgent and emergency presentations. The realities of distance and isolation mean that healthcare must be responsive and resourceful, with strong relationships underpinning continuity of care.

For ambassadors, the placement offers an immersive experience in rural medicine, where the connection between community and care is immediate and visible.

As Angela Blunt, Health Services Manager, shares,

“We’re excited to host Manuel and share what rural healthcare looks like here in Kaikōura. It’s a place where you really see the breadth of general practice and the importance of being adaptable.”

“What makes this experience special is not just the clinical work, but the connection to community—you’re not just observing healthcare, you’re seeing how it fits into people’s lives.”

Together, these placements highlight the breadth of rural healthcare in Aotearoa—demonstrating how different models can respond to local needs while remaining grounded in shared principles of equity, access, and community connection.

As the Rural WONCA 2026 Ambassador Programme unfolds, these experiences will not only shape the learning journeys of the ambassadors, but also contribute to a wider global conversation about the future of rural health.